View of Wellington from Kelburn_2010_Credit Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington Business Events Wellington, in partnership with Tourism New Zealand, has launched the International Conference Leaders Fund, a new initiative to help Wellington-based researchers and academics take leading roles on the global conference stage.
The fund addresses a key challenge for many academics, like limited access to resources to engage with international associations and attend global meetings.
By providing targeted financial support, it enables researchers to enhance their international visibility, build global networks, and attract major conferences to the capital.
“The strength of Wellington’s conference offering lies in its world-class research community,” said Irette Ferreira, Manager of Business Events Wellington. “This fund supports our local experts to lead on the world stage, bringing international events – and the knowledge and economic benefits they deliver – home to Wellington.”
Focusing on the city’s strategic sectors, including Science, Climate Action and Environment, Technology, and Screen, the fund aims to build a pipeline of local bid leaders who can position Wellington as a centre for global collaboration.
Applications are open until 21 November 2025, with details available on the WellingtonNZ website.
“Local bid champions play a vital role in attracting conferences that drive knowledge sharing and economic impact,”said Penelope Ryan, Global Manager Business Events at Tourism New Zealand. “We’re proud to support this fund and grow New Zealand’s next generation of conference leaders.”
Professor Margaret Hyland, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Victoria University of Wellington, added: “This initiative gives our academics the tools and confidence to lead international bids, bringing world-class events and opportunities to the capital.”